Though American society often claims to be classless, social stratification is deeply embedded in its fabric. Those in the higher classes enjoy privileges, respect, status, and value that are not extended to other classes, rendering them "superior." An individual's class is typically defined by either ascription or achievement. Ascription is determined by factors such as family background, birthplace, gender, and race, while achievement is based on individual effort or merit.
Class is acquired through control of resources, power over others, and the occupation of prestigious positions, particularly in the workforce. These elements stem from the possession of economic, cultural, and social capital. Social class is crucial because it dictates the resources one can access, such as healthcare and education. It also influences self-esteem, poverty levels, academic achievement, residential location, and overall success. Furthermore, social class plays a significant role in shaping the political system.
The history of class stratification in America dates back to the early days of the United States. The colonialists seized land from Native Americans and exploited available opportunities, leading to wealth accumulation by a select few. Those with production capabilities occupied the high-class positions, while those without were relegated to the working class and lower social strata. Over time, their descendants have maintained upper-class status through ascription. Government and philanthropic efforts, such as the GI Bill of 1944, the Social Security Act of 1935, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, and the "I Have a Dream" Foundation, highlight that America is far from being a classless society.
This chapter explores issues like income inequality and the impact of class on politics. As a nation, the income equality gap continues to widen. CEOs of large corporations now earn over 350 times more than the average worker, resulting in ripple effects where working families face high poverty levels, lack of access to quality healthcare, and limited educational opportunities for their children. Yet, the topic of income inequality is rarely addressed in Congress. This is because congressional candidates are often funded by wealthy Americans and corporate owners of production, allowing a small group to remain in the upper class while the majority of Americans struggle in poverty.
Additionally, class is closely linked to crime. Individuals in lower social classes are more likely to engage in criminal activities compared to those in upper classes. However, this crime can manifest in racial disparities when those in the upper class belong predominantly to one race.
A particularly striking aspect of this chapter is the revelation that slogans like the "American Dream" and "Land of Opportunity" are not attainable for all Americans. These ideals are largely reserved for those with generational wealth and the few who rise to the top of large corporations through individual effort. The small upper class continues to dictate how millions of lower-class Americans live. Lower-class Americans may believe that their votes count, but in reality, it is the wealthy who control the representatives in Congress, influencing legislative and policy decisions to their advantage. This perpetuates discrimination, as systems designed by and for the upper class hinder the success of those in the lower classes.
Class is acquired through control of resources, power over others, and the occupation of prestigious positions, particularly in the workforce. These elements stem from the possession of economic, cultural, and social capital. Social class is crucial because it dictates the resources one can access, such as healthcare and education. It also influences self-esteem, poverty levels, academic achievement, residential location, and overall success. Furthermore, social class plays a significant role in shaping the political system.
The history of class stratification in America dates back to the early days of the United States. The colonialists seized land from Native Americans and exploited available opportunities, leading to wealth accumulation by a select few. Those with production capabilities occupied the high-class positions, while those without were relegated to the working class and lower social strata. Over time, their descendants have maintained upper-class status through ascription. Government and philanthropic efforts, such as the GI Bill of 1944, the Social Security Act of 1935, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, and the "I Have a Dream" Foundation, highlight that America is far from being a classless society.
This chapter explores issues like income inequality and the impact of class on politics. As a nation, the income equality gap continues to widen. CEOs of large corporations now earn over 350 times more than the average worker, resulting in ripple effects where working families face high poverty levels, lack of access to quality healthcare, and limited educational opportunities for their children. Yet, the topic of income inequality is rarely addressed in Congress. This is because congressional candidates are often funded by wealthy Americans and corporate owners of production, allowing a small group to remain in the upper class while the majority of Americans struggle in poverty.
Additionally, class is closely linked to crime. Individuals in lower social classes are more likely to engage in criminal activities compared to those in upper classes. However, this crime can manifest in racial disparities when those in the upper class belong predominantly to one race.
A particularly striking aspect of this chapter is the revelation that slogans like the "American Dream" and "Land of Opportunity" are not attainable for all Americans. These ideals are largely reserved for those with generational wealth and the few who rise to the top of large corporations through individual effort. The small upper class continues to dictate how millions of lower-class Americans live. Lower-class Americans may believe that their votes count, but in reality, it is the wealthy who control the representatives in Congress, influencing legislative and policy decisions to their advantage. This perpetuates discrimination, as systems designed by and for the upper class hinder the success of those in the lower classes.
